Adam Thirlwell

Adam Thirlwell, a novelist and critic celebrated for his exploration of the fantastic, dives into the eerie worlds of James Hogg and Mikhail Bulgakov. He discusses Hogg’s 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner', highlighting its unique narrative and themes of evil. Thirlwell also unpacks Bulgakov’s 'The Master and Margarita', examining its devilish chaos in Moscow and the blending of romanticism with modern existential questions. The conversation illuminates how both writers wield the fantastical to confront the nature of identity, fanaticism, and moral complexities.

Adam Thirlwell, a novelist and critic known for his thought-provoking writings, joins to explore the rich Gothic landscape of Jan Potocki and Isak Dinesen. The conversation dives into Potocki’s complex tales of desire and guilt during the Enlightenment, revealing the intricate narrative structures that challenge perception. Thirlwell highlights Dinesen's unsettling exploration of sexual guilt, seamlessly weaving through themes of identity and heritage. Their discussion illuminates how the Gothic genre captures the darker corners of human experience that other narratives might shy away from.

Adam Thirlwell, a novelist and critic known for his adventurous explorations of fiction, joins to dissect the dark themes of James Hogg's 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' and Mikhail Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita.' They dive into the nuances of fanaticism, exploring how both authors represent pacts with the devil, and discuss the characters' moral dilemmas linked to antinomianism. Thirlwell sheds light on how these fantastical narratives not only reflect personal identity but also comment on the socio-political landscapes of their times.